If you or a loved one is considering retirement villages Perth, it’s natural to have plenty of questions. Moving into a retirement village isn’t just about finding a new place to live; it’s about choosing a lifestyle that feels right.
From finding the best retirement village that suits your needs to navigating downsizing and moving day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with a whole list of things to think about before making the transition. This guide will help you simplify the process, choose the retirement village in Perth, and prepare for the move with confidence.
Perth has no shortage of retirement villages, but not all are created equal. Choosing the right one means looking beyond the brochures. It comes down to how you want to live your day-to-day life.
Yes, being close to family and shops is important, but also think about lifestyle. Do you want to be near the beach for morning walks, or somewhere with easy access to healthcare and public transport?
Some villages focus on independent living with low-maintenance homes and a strong community spirit. Others offer more on-site support, including 24-hour emergency call systems, allied health services, or even aged care co-located within the same precinct.
Villages can vary widely in their upfront costs, ongoing fees, and exit arrangements. Some include utilities, meals, and activities in their weekly charges, while others keep fees low but charge extra for add-ons. Understanding exactly what you’re paying for, and what happens if you decide to move again later, is essential.
Every community has its own “feel,” shaped by the residents and management. Some are vibrant and activity-driven, while others are more relaxed and low-key. Visiting in person, chatting to residents, and joining an open day can help you get a true sense of whether it’s the right fit.
One of the biggest tasks to tackle when transitioning into a retirement village is downsizing. Moving from a family home into a smaller unit means deciding what to keep, what to pass on, and what to let go of. A good tip is to start early and declutter one room at a time. You want to give yourself time to adjust both emotionally and from a practical point of view.
It can also help to involve family members in the process. Downsizing can be surprisingly emotional, especially if you’ve lived in your home for decades. Sharing stories, giving treasured items to loved ones, or donating to causes you care about can make the process feel lighter.
Most retirement villages in Perth are designed to foster connection and independence. Expect regular social activities, access to shared libraries and games rooms, and the opportunity to join clubs or classes. You’ll also benefit from having neighbours at a similar stage of life, which helps create a strong sense of community.
Picking the right spot to retire isn’t just about the postcode. It’s about choosing a place that not only suits your lifestyle but also ticks all the boxes for convenience, comfort, and connection.
Here are a few areas around Perth that are especially popular with retirees:
About an hour south of the city, Mandurah is one of WA’s favourite sea change destinations. The marina means you are never far from the water. With a relaxed coastal vibe, there are plenty of cafés and shops to enjoy.
With the number of residents at retirement age expected to climb by nearly 40% over the next decade, it’s also clearly a growing retirement hub.
For anyone who loves a slower pace with all the essentials nearby, Mandurah makes a lot of sense.
Joondalup has just about everything you need in one place: a big shopping centre, a major hospital, and a train line straight into the CBD. Giving you a nice mix of convenience and lifestyle, the surrounding suburbs have easy access to beaches, golf courses, and walking tracks. Retirement villages here often lean into that resort feel, with pools, social activities, and community spaces.
If morning walks along the Swan River sound appealing, South Perth and Como are worth a look. They have that leafy, riverside charm, while still being just a ferry or bus ride away from the city.
The balance between calm and convenience is spot on, with good medical clinics, shops, and cafés close by. Retirement communities in this area tend to be peaceful and practical, offering easy access to their support services.
Freo has its own unique buzz. Think heritage buildings, weekend markets, quirky cafés, and plenty of arts and culture. It is also very walkable, with good public transport if you want to head into Perth.
For retirees who want a more vibrant and social lifestyle, Fremantle delivers. There is always something happening to take part in.
There are literally hundreds of retirement villages in Perth, but here are a handful that regularly come up as favourites, whether you’re after something affordable, stylish, or community-focused.
Set on the coast, Ocean Gardens Village offers apartment-style living with strong security. There are also extra facilities, like a café, bar, beauty salon, gardens, and more.
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Meadow Springs Village boasts resort-style living with pools, bowling greens, and pet-friendly villas. There’s an active social calendar, making it a great option for those who enjoy community activities.
St Ives Centro is a stylish village close to shops and transport, with a café onsite and a friendly, social atmosphere.
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A peaceful village with apartments, Bethanie on the Park has its own café, hairdresser, beauty salon, and village bus. It’s perfect if you want a low-maintenance lifestyle with a few added comforts.
Known for being both affordable and welcoming, Helena Valley Lifestyle Village boasts a friendly ‘over-55s’ vibe. Here you’ll find lovely shared gardens, recreational spaces, and a focus on community spirit.
Of course, this is just a starting point. Perth has a wealth of retirement villages to choose from, ranging from simple and budget-friendly to more luxurious resort-style living. The key is to visit a few, chat with the residents, and see which one feels right for you.
You’ll need to really understand the contract before signing it. Retirement villages in WA can use different types of agreements, such as leasehold or licence arrangements. Each comes with its own rules about the resale of the property and exit fees.
Basically, they make sure you know exactly what you’re agreeing to and help you avoid any surprises down the track.
Once you have chosen your retirement village, the final step is moving in. This can feel daunting, but a bit of planning goes a long way. Make a moving timeline, organise help with packing, and book reliable movers so the process is as stress-free as possible.
That is where Upmove can help. As a trusted moving service provider for booking the best removalists across Perth and Australia, Upmove takes the pressure off moving day so you can focus on settling into your new community. You can very easily book the best vetted removalists for the job in just a few clicks.
Upmove is Australia’s trusted choice for removalist and moving company services, helping thousands of customers move homes, furniture, cars, motorcycles, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services across Australia. Our focus has always been on making moving simple and stress-free — from booking experienced removalists to completing your delivery with care. With Upmove, you get professional service, fixed prices, and peace of mind on every move.
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